Gamma knife radiosurgery of recurrent atypical neurocytoma

Abstract

The goal of this work was to demonstrate the efficacy of stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for the treatment of neurocytoma by means of a case report and a comprehensive literature review. A locally recurrent atypical neurocytoma in the area of the left third ventricle thalamic wall occurring 7years after primary microsurgical resection in a 59-year old woman was treated by GKRS. A marginal dose of 17Gy was delivered to the surrounding 50% isodose. At the last follow-up, 82months after radiosurgery, the tumor was locally controlled. For the literature review, computerized bibliographic searches of Pubmed were supplemented with hand searches of reference lists and abstracts of ASCO/ASTRO/ESTRO meetings. The present case confirms the results of the literature analysis. From 1997-2011, a total of 14series were published providing results of GKRS in 86patients (89lesions). The marginal doses, which have been applied, ranged from 9.6-20.0Gy. With median follow-up intervals between 6 and 185months, local control was 97.2% and local tumor progression of neurocytoma after GKRS was restricted to only 4cases. In accordance with our own experience, GKRS was not associated with a relevant early or late toxicity. GKRS can be assumed to be a safe and effective treatment modality of recurrent or residual neurocytoma.